TOKYO – The Japanese government has vowed to offer US$10 billion (RM41.5 billion) in aid to help Asean countries reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, reported Jiji Press.
The plan was unveiled at a special online meeting of energy ministers from Japan and Asean states.
Tokyo also presented plans to cooperate with the bloc in the development and dissemination of carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies.
The meeting took place based on Japan’s proposal after a summit of the G7 major industrial nations in Britain earlier this month agreed to support developing countries’ efforts to tackle climate change.
At yesterday’s meet, Japanese Industry Minister Hiroshi Kajiyama said “there should be multiple avenues” to promote decarbonisation in Asian countries, where the levels of economic development vary, at a time when pressure is growing worldwide to reduce the use of fossil fuels, a major source of greenhouse gases.
Japan proposed the Asia Energy Transition Initiative, under which steps will be taken to accelerate the shift from coal to liquefied natural gas for thermal power generation, and financial support will be offered for projects to develop renewable energy.
It also includes support for the compilation of decarbonisation road maps.
In a joint statement adopted after the energy ministers’ meeting, Asean members said they agree on the need to procure funds for the region’s decarbonisation, and expressed support for Japan’s proposals. – Bernama, June 22, 2021
